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Joseph Lawson has filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that several procedural and evidentiary issues undermined his case and warrant a fresh hearing before his scheduled Aug. 21 sentencing.
Lawson was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence in connection to the disappearance of Crystal Rogers. He was tried in front of a jury with co-defendant Brooks Houck, who was convicted of murder and tampering with physical evidence.
Lawson's attorneys contend that inadmissible evidence presented during the trial created a "spill over" effect that prejudiced their client's case. They argue that being tried alongside Houck damaged Lawson's defense and that certain evidence should not have been allowed in court.
The defense also alleges the presiding judge failed to dismiss jurors who possessed prior knowledge of Steve Lawson's trial and conviction. According to the motion, S. Lawson had previously implicated J. Lawson, and jurors aware of this information should have been struck from the panel to ensure a fair trial.
Additionally, J. Lawson's legal team claims the prosecutor misrepresented their client's statements to the jury. They argue the prosecutor incorrectly characterized Lawson's comments about moving a car as an admission of guilt, which the defense says "is not true."
The motion requests that the judge hear these arguments at or before the Aug. 21 sentencing hearing.
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